Why I'm Giving Up Chemical Peels for Facial Acupuncture

I recently jumped on the natural beauty bandwagon and started replacing my products for ones with ingredients I can actually pronounce. But I realized there was one major shift I still hadn't made to my regimen: my skin care treatments. As a girl who's really into her glycolic peels, I decided it was time to try my hand (or rather, face) at a more traditional—but more importantly, chemical-free—procedure, facial acupuncture.

So I went straight to my acupuncturist, Justine Wenger, who initially treated me for lower back pain. Her gentle bedside manner and delicate touch for applying needles instantly put me at ease. She explained facial acupuncture is great for boosting collagen and elastin (two things help keep skin looking young), increasing circulation and proper lymph flow, and clearing congestion. It also helps address the underlying causes of skin issues and premature aging, such as hormonal imbalances, digestive health, and stress. Translation: It can make skin more radiant, reduce lines around the mouth and eyes, and aid with depuffing.

After first taking an assessment of my medical history (diet, health, breakout location and frequency, and last period), Wenger applied 12 very shallow, hair-thin needles to my face. She put them on each ear (major relaxation points), my forehead, brows (these are her favorite because they're excellent at addressing hormonal issues, stress, and headaches), chin (for stubborn pimples that reside there), and along my eyes to treat fine lines.

As the needles dangled on my face for about 40 minutes (I kind of felt like I'd head-butted a baby porcupine), a deep cooling and tingling sensation swept over me. I felt floaty and at peace, altogether forgetting my face was covered in needles.

Removing them was totally painless. And afterward I stood up and caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. My skin was plumper and rosier, and the fine lines around my eyes had relaxed. Wenger finished the treatment by massaging arnica cream into my skin (to prevent potential bruising) and sent me off with supremely happy skin.

To really reap the benefits, Wenger recommends about 10 to 12 consecutive weekly sessions (which cost $150 per visit), followed by maintenance treatments every one to two months. But the serious glow factor can be observed in as little as one visit. I'm proof.